[12/17/07 - 09:26 AM]Statement from Jay Leno Regarding the January 2 Return of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno""Now that the talks have broken down and there are no further negotiations scheduled I feel it's my responsibility to get my 100 non-writing staff, which were laid off, back to work," said Leno in a statement.

[via press release from NBC]

STATEMENT FROM JAY LENO REGARDING THE JANUARY 2 RETURN OF "THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO"

"This has been a very difficult six weeks for everybody affected by the writers strike. I was, like most people, hoping for a quick resolution when this began. I remained positive during the talks and while they were still at the table discussing a solution "The Tonight Show" remained dark in support of our writing staff. Now that the talks have broken down and there are no further negotiations scheduled I feel it's my responsibility to get my 100 non-writing staff, which were laid off, back to work. We fully support our writers and I think they understand my decision."

"The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" is from Big Dog Productions in association with Universal Media Studios. Debbie Vickers is the executive producer.